Scioto West Advising, LLC.

Self-Diagnoses in Mental Health

I’ll admit, I’m a skeptic about America’s recent obsession with mental health treatment.

Not because I don’t acknowledge the dangers of untreated mental health conditions, or the value of both therapeutic and psychopharmacological treatment methods – both have their place, when used wisely.

I should also add that as a 30-something Black male who grew up in a family steeped in the ‘Robitussin, ginger ale, some crackers and go take a nap’ theory of convalescence, I seek treatment for health issues less often than I should, and harbor a deep-seated and irrational distrust of medical practitioners. I say this to highlight what I say next:

I’m skeptical of the recent obsession with mental health because all of a sudden, it seems like EVERYBODY has a mental health condition. As soon as they diagnose themselves they’re off on the latest social media self-care regime.

An attorney friend of mine once told me that anyone who defends themselves in court has an idiot for a lawyer and a fool for a client. Well, when it comes to a medical diagnosis, I’m going to double down on that. Anyone who diagnoses themselves, no matter their credentials, is flirting with death. Do not attempt to diagnose yourself, and here’s why:

“I have anxiety.” “I’ve been dealing with imposter syndrome.” “Oh, I’m a little depressed.” “I’m pretty OCD.” You hear people saying such things constantly, but frequently without any real basis for the statement. We look things up on the internet and go, “Yes! That’s me. Finally I know what I have,” all the while unaware of any number of factors which might alter or dismiss these misdiagnoses. And we proceed with self-care ‘treatments’ and other home remedies when what we needed to do was seek expert help.

You read that correctly. The iatrophobe is telling you to go see a doctor.

Not convinced? Okay. I’ll bring forth some expert receipts to help persuade you. Let’s dive in.

What is Self-Diagnosis & Why is it Dangerous?

Self-diagnosis is the practice of identifying and treating a medical condition without consulting a professional doctor. Some people have the intuition to know that they are experiencing a mental health issue, but being aware of a problem does not qualify you to diagnose the problem. While it can be tempting to attempt to diagnose and treat a mental health issue yourself, there are many risks associated with self-diagnosis. Not only can it lead to incorrect diagnoses, but it can also delay proper treatment or even cause further harm. In this article, we will discuss the dangers of self-diagnosing mental health issues and why it is important to consult with a professional before making any decisions about your mental health.

Common Myths & Misconceptions About Self-Diagnosis

Self-diagnosis is a growing trend in the mental health industry. In a study commissioned by Thriveworks, data suggests that 44% of Americans have diagnosed themselves or someone else with a mental health condition. Besides themselves, some of the most commonly diagnosed people included friends (46%), parents (26%), ex-partners (24%), and siblings (24%). Those who diagnosed themselves or others primarily used the symptoms of a friend or family member with a clinician-confirmed diagnosis to make their diagnosis (61%). 14% of self-diagnosers sought professional confirmation and found that their mental health practitioner did not agree. Also notable was that 31% chose not to seek a professional’s diagnosis, betting on their own analysis instead.

With the increasing availability of online self-diagnosis tests, more people are turning to them to understand their mental health. However, there are many myths and misconceptions about mental health symptoms that can lead to inaccurate results and erroneous conclusions. This article will explore some of the potential mental health benefits and risks of using these tests.

1. Symptoms of mental illness can often overlap with symptoms of other conditions, making self-diagnosis difficult and potentially inaccurate. There are many factors that can affect your psychological condition. A simple search on the internet brings information without context delivered by search algorithms that prioritize the highest-traffic keyword – in other words, a symptom search about a severe headache and tingling in your fingers is likely to prioritize results about multiple sclerosis over carpal tunnel or misuse of medicines. Attempting to form conclusions based on algorithm-delivered data points is an irresponsible and ineffective approach. Whether Google or WebMD, do not trust the search engines; your health is not their priority. The amount of web traffic is. They will scare you with severe yet unlikely results to keep you clicking links for more information.
2. Mental health professionals have years of training and experience in diagnosing and treating mental illness, and should be consulted if one suspects they may be experiencing symptoms. Mental health experts go through years of education and training before treating patients like yourselves because there is SO MUCH to learn about the subject matter before they can consistently identify and address mental illnesses. Learn to trust their expertise.
3. Self-diagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment or lack of treatment, which can have negative consequences on one’s mental health. You may spend years attempting to address your mental health based upon a misdiagnosis. Those misapplied treatments may actually worsen your condition.
4. Seeking professional help does not mean one is weak or flawed – a common stigma – but rather demonstrates a commitment to taking care of one’s mental health. It takes a strong person to seek help, and an even stronger person to provide that help. Catholics understand this, as demonstrated by the rite of confession. Just as the act of confessing is a demonstration of a commitment to henceforth more closely adhere to the biblical ethos, so does speaking with a therapist demonstrate your commitment to seeking psychological stability. The very act of seeking therapy is the first stage of the healing process, even as confession is sublimated in the Eucharist.
5. Self-diagnosis can perpetuate stigma and misinformation surrounding mental illness. The oft-repeated ‘I don’t need somebody else to tell me about myself’ leads to attitudes of disdain towards those with the strength to seek therapy, misunderstanding and fear towards those who have untreated ailments, and resentment towards the therapists themselves.
6. Mental illness is not a personal failing or weakness, but rather a medical condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. Let me say it again for the folks in the back: Mental illness is a MEDICAL CONDITION which requires proper diagnosis and treatment. Don’t argue, just accept it.
7. Self-diagnosis can lead to unnecessary anxiety and stress, as well as delay in receiving appropriate treatment. This is best illustrated via anecdote: a few years back I lost my sense of taste and developed a breathing problem. Since half the planet was on lockdown at the time, I became convinced I had COVID-19. As it turns out, I was better in a few days. But those few days were hellacious; the stress of thinking I had caught the deadly pandemic virus did more damage than the actual illness.
8. Mental health professionals can provide a safe and confidential space for individuals to discuss their concerns and receive personalized treatment. This is something I didn’t understand until I tried it. There is so much comfort in talking to someone whose primary responsibility is to actively listen.
9. Seeking professional help can lead to improved mental health outcomes and overall well-being.

What are the Risks & Drawbacks of Self-Diagnosis?

There are certain risks and drawbacks associated with the practice of self-diagnosis.

The risks include incorrect diagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and the potential for misinterpreting symptoms. Additionally, online self-diagnosis tests can lead to a false sense of security if they are used without consulting a trained professional. Furthermore, they can lead to unnecessary anxiety or depression if the results are not interpreted correctly.

These drawbacks include a lack of accuracy and reliability in online self-diagnosis tests due to their limited scope and lack of professional input. Moreover, they cannot provide an accurate assessment of a person’s mental health state or provide personalized advice on how to manage it.

Thus, it is important to consider both the risks and drawbacks before opting for an online mental health self-diagnosis test.

Why Seek Professional Guidance Instead?

Mental health issues can be difficult to manage and even more challenging to overcome without professional help. Seeking guidance from a psychologist or psychiatrist is the best way to ensure that you are getting the right treatment for your specific mental health issue.

Professional guidance from a qualified mental health professional can provide you with the tools and resources needed to better understand your condition, explore treatment options, and develop effective coping strategies. With the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist, you can learn how to manage your symptoms and live a healthier life.

By seeking professional guidance for mental health issues, you will receive personalized care tailored to your needs. Professional psychologists and psychiatrists are experts in their field who are able to provide evidence-based treatments that have been proven effective in treating various mental health conditions.

How to Find a Qualified Mental Health Professional

Mental health is a vital part of our overall well-being, and it’s important to find a qualified mental health professional who can provide the necessary support and guidance. Finding the right professional for you can be challenging, but with some research and effort, you can find the perfect fit. Here are some tips on how to find a qualified mental health professional who will be able to help you in your journey towards better mental health:

• Ask your primary care doctor for a referral. They know you and can recommend someone who fits your needs.
• Check with your insurance company. They can provide a list of covered mental health professionals in your area.
• Use online directories like Psychology Today or GoodTherapy. You can filter by location, specialty, and insurance.
• Ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have seen a therapist before.
• Look for support groups in your community. They may have resources for finding a therapist.
• Check with your workplace or school. They may offer an employee assistance program or counseling services.
• Contact your local mental health association. They can provide resources and referrals.
• Use teletherapy services like BetterHelp or Talkspace. They offer online counseling with licensed professionals.
• Research universities with psychology programs. They often have clinics that offer low-cost therapy with supervised graduate students.
• Trust your gut. If you don’t feel comfortable with a therapist, it’s okay to keep looking until you find the right fit.

Above all, stay true to yourself. If you’re feeling as though your healthcare professionals are ignoring your adverse health claims, by all means continue to seek further professional opinions. But attempting to diagnose yourself can create an impediment to your recovery.

Here’s hoping we all get better soon,